Washington, D.C.Before the Biden administration departs office, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey has made an urgent plea to departing Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Hondurans residing in the United States.
The precarious situation facing Honduran nationals currently living in the United States under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which grants temporary legal status to people from nations experiencing extraordinary circumstances like armed conflict or environmental disaster, was a concern of Rep. Sherrill in a letter dated January 17, 2025. On March 9, 2025, Honduras’ existing TPS classification is scheduled to expire.
Although I am aware that there is not much time, I am writing to urgently ask that Honduras’ Temporary Protected Status status be extended before you leave office. The significance of the initiative to Honduran communities, including those in New Jersey, was highlighted in Sherrill’s writing.
Sherrill acknowledged the advancements in Central America but pointed out that Honduras has not benefited equally from the political and social changes. She urged Secretary Mayorkas to give Hondurans who are now dependent on TPS as much certainty as possible before the Trump administration takes over, citing concerns about President-elect Donald Trump’s prior opposition to the program.
Sherrill called on Mayorkas to prolong the designation for the longest period permitted by law, emphasizing the life-saving nature of TPS. She also expressed confidence in bipartisan support for TPS continuation, saying, “I stand ready to defend that action in the House of Representatives.”
The letter demonstrates Sherrill’s sustained support for immigrant communities in her state and beyond, while also highlighting the uncertain future of TPS programs as the new administration gets ready to take office.
